Mount Albert news is brought to you by the team at Central Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Retire in comfort and security
Premium care is just meters away from our village. Join our caring community, where passion thrives. Trust Terrace Kennedy House for exceptional care and meaningful connections.
Warrant to arrest: Paul Rehua
Police are working to locate Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Rehua, 42, is wanted in relation to escaping custody and is believed to be in the wider Waitematā area, though he known to frequent the greater Auckland and Waikato regions. It’s … View morePolice are working to locate Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Rehua, 42, is wanted in relation to escaping custody and is believed to be in the wider Waitematā area, though he known to frequent the greater Auckland and Waikato regions. It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen Rehua or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251107/5350.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
McDonald's worries about losing low-income customers: Is price the reason why?
Fast food giant McDonald's is worried about losing lower-income customers, as data shows it can probably no longer be considered a "cheap" food option.
When McDonald's released its latest earnings report in the United States it said comparable sales were up but chief executive … View moreFast food giant McDonald's is worried about losing lower-income customers, as data shows it can probably no longer be considered a "cheap" food option.
When McDonald's released its latest earnings report in the United States it said comparable sales were up but chief executive Christopher Kempczinski said low-income customers were avoiding its restaurants.
CNBC reported that he noted "traffic from lower-income consumers declining nearly double-digits in the third quarter, a trend that's persisted for nearly two years.
"Traffic growth among higher-income consumers remains strong, increasing nearly double-digits in the quarter."
A spokesperson for McDonald's in New Zealand said this country did not report on total sales or business performance so he could not say whether the same trend was happening here.
On social media posts recently, customers have questioned the price of the new Big Arch burger, and complained that there had been price increases on the McDonald's app.
Another said it was like a Big Mac but more expensive while a third customer said it was due to wage rises.
On Uber Eats this week, a Bacon & Egg McMuffin was $9.30, a Big Mac was $11.80 and a cheeseburger $6.80. A Big Arch burger was $16.
Burger King had a Whopper with cheese for $14.80 and a Hawaiian BK Chicken for $17.60. Its triple cheeseburger was $13.90.
Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, said Stats NZ data showed takeaway food of all types had become a lot more expensive recently.
Between September 2005 and September 2025, the consumer price index had risen 66 percent, the food price index 84 percent, ready-to-eat food 103 percent and a Big Mac 93 percent.
Fish and chips had lifted 154 percent.
Kiernan said the fact the Big Mac had increased in price less than the 147 percent increase in the minimum wage over the period could be considered a good outcome.
He said takeaway food prices would have been driven up by both the wider increase in food prices and the cost of labour.
Bodo Lang, a marketing expert at Massey University, said it was often said that McDonald's had stopped being a cheap option but he was not convinced that weas the case.
"Despite offering high priced menu items, McDonalds still offers a range of choices for smaller appetites and smaller wallets. Classic items, such as the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder are still likely at the cheaper end when compared to others. For example, McDonald's prices are comparable with other international chains such as Burger King or KFC. Even when compared to local independent operators, McDonalds prices are still fairly comparable. At least for its classic items. Ordering anything via an app and have it delivered will obviously at much cost and little convenience, thus distorting consumers price impression."
Burger Fuel was charging $24.50 for a Bacon Backfire burger on Uber Eats this week.
"What McDonald's has done very well is to diversify its product portfolio to appeal to different tastes and wallet sizes. While its classics are still available at comparatively low prices, McDonald's luxe items, such as its Grilled Chicken Bacon Deluxe, are at the upper end of the price range and compete head on with the likes of local chains, such as Burger Fuel. So McDonald's has done an excellent job of trying to appeal to its classic customers, particularly through bundles and offers, while appealing to others with premium priced items," Lang said.
========================================================
Poll: If you had a bit of spare cash, would you 'buy' into a pest-free island?
Kiwis have always had a soft spot for our animal friends. With so many unique and quirky birds and marine species calling Aotearoa home, it’s only natural that we feel a deep drive to protect them 🐧🦭
These days, we’re getting pretty creative about how we do it too. The latest idea? You… View moreKiwis have always had a soft spot for our animal friends. With so many unique and quirky birds and marine species calling Aotearoa home, it’s only natural that we feel a deep drive to protect them 🐧🦭
These days, we’re getting pretty creative about how we do it too. The latest idea? You can actually buy a symbolic piece of one of New Zealand’s most remote islands as part of the Auckland Island Restoration Project.
If you had a bit of spare cash, would you 'buy' into the project?
And maybe the bigger question — should we be looking at doing the same kind of thing for wildlife refuges on our main islands too?
-
60% Yes - restoration needs creativity
-
40% No - Is this sensible?
Bag of vinyl off cuts
Suitable for small projects such as drink bottles and embellishments etc
This is permanent vinyl
Pick up from Avondale
There is an assortment of colours
New Zealand's tax debt has hit $9.3b, prompting an IRD crackdown
Inland Revenue has sharply increased its enforcement activity, collecting $4.3 billion in overdue tax in the year to June – the highest total since 2018 – as total tax debt reached $9.3b. The department’s audit numbers rose 42% to 7641, with one in three targeting property transactions. An … View moreInland Revenue has sharply increased its enforcement activity, collecting $4.3 billion in overdue tax in the year to June – the highest total since 2018 – as total tax debt reached $9.3b. The department’s audit numbers rose 42% to 7641, with one in three targeting property transactions. An extra $35 million in Budget 2025 boosted the IRD's compliance funding, reinforcing the Government’s shift from pandemic-era leniency to debt recovery.
Problem areas: Baker Tilly Staples Rodway tax director Andrew Dickeson said Inland Revenue is scrutinising property sales, underpaid salaries and trust income splitting, alongside cash work and overseas companies operating in New Zealand. Its 2025 annual report shows 650 liquidation cases referred to court, up 49% year on year, signalling tougher consequences for unpaid tax. Dickeson said the IRD was typically good to deal with if people front-footed the tax issue they had and worked on making a payment plan.
========================================================
Scam Alert: Cold calls from banks
A number of banks are reporting scam calls where actors are impersonating bank staff and are soliciting information from business customers.
Be cautious of any unexpected contact and only use verified banking channels.
Important security reminder:
⚠️ Your bank will never ask for your … View moreA number of banks are reporting scam calls where actors are impersonating bank staff and are soliciting information from business customers.
Be cautious of any unexpected contact and only use verified banking channels.
Important security reminder:
⚠️ Your bank will never ask for your login details – including your username and passwords – by email or phone.
⚠️ Your bank will never send direct links to log in to online banking platforms via email or SMS.
⚠️ Your bank does not need to know your full credit card number and CVV number (they already know these details!)
⚠️ Your bank will never ask you to download software or remotely access your device.
Location of second NZ Costco store revealed
Property developer Kiwi Property said today it had agreed to sell a 6.4-hectare plot of land to the US-based mega store chain at its new development in Drury, south of Auckland.
===================================================
No opening date was announced.
"We are very excited to be … View moreProperty developer Kiwi Property said today it had agreed to sell a 6.4-hectare plot of land to the US-based mega store chain at its new development in Drury, south of Auckland.
===================================================
No opening date was announced.
"We are very excited to be entering into this agreement with Kiwi Property in a location as great as Drury," Chris Tingman, Costco country manager, said.
"Whilst still subject to planning and corporate approvals, our aim is to introduce our unique high-quality, low-cost merchandise to Drury, serving our significant membership base in the south of Auckland, as well as Hamilton and the Waikato region."
The site is at the southern end of the development, adjacent to State Highway 1.
The new store will be the city's second, with the Costco at the Westgate shopping centre proving hugely popular.
“Costco has been a hit with Kiwi consumers since it opened its first store in Auckland and we’re pleased to be working with them on this exciting opportunity to bring Costco further south,” Kiwi Property chief executive officer Clive Mackenzie said.
Costco's first Auckland store has been a big success for the company. Its revenue in its second full year of operation, the 52 weeks ending September 2024, was $361.5 million.
Kiwi's 53-hectare development is being built for future residential use and a mixed-use centre and will include 10,000 m² of commercial space, 56,000 m² of retail, and 2000 m² for community activities.
Last week, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced it had won fast-track approval.
“The development is projected to inject over $1.45 billion into Auckland’s economy over the next 11 years and is expected to deliver around 3,420 full-time direct employment roles in construction and related services,” Bishop said.
"This is great news for jobs and growth in this fast-growing part of Auckland."
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis hailed the announcement.
Legislation to create an "express lane" for new supermarket contracts was introduced to Parliament recently.
“The Government is working with Costco to ensure that we are doing everything possible to make consenting as quick and efficient as possible,” Willis said.
“It is also fantastic news for shoppers. More competition means more choice and lower prices."
She said the development, as a whole, was expected to inject $1.45 billion into the Auckland economy over the next 11 years, and create around 3420 full-time jobs in construction and related services.
“Costco’s planned expansion will add to that boost by creating more construction jobs,” Willis said.
=====================================================
$3 per kilometre to fly: Are New Zealanders getting value from domestic air travel?
Short-hop domestic flights are costing New Zealanders as much as $3 a kilometre if they are booked shortly before travel - and that has prompted calls for change.
RNZ and economist Benje Patterson looked at the price of a range of domestic flights, both booked a week out and booked at the end of … View moreShort-hop domestic flights are costing New Zealanders as much as $3 a kilometre if they are booked shortly before travel - and that has prompted calls for change.
RNZ and economist Benje Patterson looked at the price of a range of domestic flights, both booked a week out and booked at the end of February.
We found that someone who was planning to travel in the last week of February next year could pay anything from 12c per kilometre for a flight from Auckland to Christchurch on Air New Zealand - or 8c on Jetstar - through to $1.07 a kilometre flying from Wellington to Blenheim.
Flights to Queenstown were 14c and 9c on Air New Zealand and Jetstar respectively and a flight between Hamilton and Christchurch was about the same.
Wellington to Nelson was 66c and Whangārei to Auckland 55c.
For last-minute flights, booked last week for travel this week, Auckland to Christchurch was still relatively affordable - 18c per kilometre on the cheapest flight on the most expensive day on Air New Zealand and 28c on Jetstar.
But Whangārei to Auckland was $1.43 a kilometre, Wellington to Nelson $1.44, Hokitika to Christchurch $2.02 and Wellington to Blenheim $3.04.
Patterson said it showed that booking in advance offered the cheapest flights on main trunk routes.
"With head-to-head competition between Air NZ and Jetstar…Jetstar's lead-in pricing appears to be $0.10 or lower per kilometre on its main trunk routes, while Air NZ has lead-in pricing of 12c to 18c per km.
"The only exception for main trunk routes is Wellington to Dunedin, which appears relatively expensive for both airlines. When it comes to last minute flights, neither airline is particular cheap on main trunk routes. The prices are often 30c to 80c per km. Interestingly, Air New Zealand appears slightly cheaper last minute."
He said regional flights where there was no competition were significantly more expensive.
"Even booking a long time out, flights in February for Air NZ tend to fall into two pricing groups - those that are 20c to 30c per km, and those that are 50c-plus per km. The regional flights that are more expensive per kilometre tend to be short hops - like Whangārei to Auckland, and Hokitika to Christchurch - those ones stand out as interesting as you can drive them relatively quickly.
"Other relatively expensive regional flights like Nelson to Wellington and Blenheim to Wellington are still a compelling option to many as driving takes significantly longer once ferry connections are taken into consideration so the flight is more reasonable in that context."
Air New Zealand general manager for domestic Kate O'Brien said the airline was aware of how important air travel was and tried to keep fares as low as it could.
"Running an airline comes with a lot of cost, unfortunately. Across our network, we spend more than $3 million every day on fuel, and that's before we consider the cost of the aircraft themselves, airport and air navigation charges, engineering and maintenance, and of course paying our pilots, crew and wider team.
"The costs per seat of operating smaller aircraft are considerably higher than those of larger aircraft due to scale diseconomies. To put it simply, there are fewer seats to spread the costs over. Baseline costs such as engineering and maintenance, aviation charges including landing fees, and fuel are also spread over fewer kilometres. Many of these costs over the past few years have increased significantly.
"Our smaller aircraft also operate with more crew per passenger than larger aircraft, and the aircraft operate more cycles - take-off and landings - so have higher maintenance requirements."
She said the airline's domestic costs has gone up 40 percent since 2019 while fares had risen 35 percent.
"Landing charges and passenger levies are up 43 percent since 2019, and by the end of our 2026 financial year we expect them to be 76 percent higher than in 2019. As an example, on a one-way ticket from Auckland to Wellington, we pay $60.62 in fees before the aircraft even leaves the ground. In 2019, this was $33 one way in fees."
She said the airline used a supply and demand-based system with a range of price points.
"This helps make sure that we have seats available when people need them, including last minute.
"Our flights go on sale about 12 months in advance - booking early almost always offers the best chance of securing a lower fare. While there might be a good deal close to the departure date or time, it will generally be where demand for the destination or the time of day isn't high. For popular places, dates and times, booking early is how we recommend passengers get the best fare.
"We know that it isn't always possible, but if people have flexible travel plans, flying on less popular days, during off-peak times, or changing travel by a day can help with a lower fare."
Consumer NZ investigative writer Vanessa Pratley said meaningful competition on more routes would help to drive down prices.
"We welcome the government's aviation action plan which looks to investigate how funding could be applied to enable expansion and increased resilience for smaller regional airlines.
"Everyone in Aotearoa deserves to be connected. Having access to fair and affordable transport is crucial to that. Maintaining these regional routes is important, and we recognise it can be expensive to fly them. That's why we're pleased to see the government's aviation action plan directly addresses this issue using the Regional Infrastructure Fund."
Patterson said it had been intriguing to see people saying publicly they would rather that lead-in airfares were slightly more expensive, rather than being set so low, if that meant the last minute flight prices were not as pricey.
"It is crazy to me that people on the same flight can pay five or six times what others who booked early paid, and both airlines are guilty of this. Could you build your social license by charging slightly more on lead-in flights so as to not gauge so much on last minute? Last minute is what catches people's emotion, and is arguably where people are a little more vulnerable if the flying is through to some unexpected circumstance or crisis they are dealing with."
Pratley said there were a range of ways pricing could be made fairer or passengers.
"We'd like to see more transparent pricing generally, particularly around how dynamic pricing algorithms are used."
===================================================
PAINT IT ORANGE
Paint it Orange - Arthritis - 1st - 29th November 2025
Paint it orange with Resene for Arthritis NZ!
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ!
The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Sore back mornings? Here’s how to sleep your pain away!
Hey neighbours!
Finding the right mattress for lower back pain can feel like a maze, but the right choice can completely change your mornings. The trick isn’t just the mattress — it’s how you sleep on it. Back sleepers with a pillow under the knees, side sleepers with one between the legs,… View moreHey neighbours!
Finding the right mattress for lower back pain can feel like a maze, but the right choice can completely change your mornings. The trick isn’t just the mattress — it’s how you sleep on it. Back sleepers with a pillow under the knees, side sleepers with one between the legs, and a mattress that’s supportive yet comfy can make a world of difference.
Curious which mattress will give your back the relief it deserves? Check out our full guide here: beds4u.co.nz...
Sleep smarter, neighbours — wake up refreshed, pain-free, and ready to take on the day!
MENS DESIGNER PANEL DENIM JACKET
Two-Tone Denim Trench Jacket - "man" Brand
This stylish two-tone denim trench jacket from "man" features contrasting light and dark denim panels. It is in great condition and perfect as a statement piece.
Features:
Brand: man
Style: Trench jacket
Material: Denim (two … View moreTwo-Tone Denim Trench Jacket - "man" Brand
This stylish two-tone denim trench jacket from "man" features contrasting light and dark denim panels. It is in great condition and perfect as a statement piece.
Features:
Brand: man
Style: Trench jacket
Material: Denim (two tones)
Color: Dark blue and light blue
Condition: Clean, New , Great
Size: Mens L
BRAND NEW MENS BUSINESS LEATHER SHOES
BRAND NEW, Never been worn, New Quality
Size 44 EUR Size 10 US
These are men's black formal Oxford dress shoes featuring a distinctive crocodile or alligator skin texture/pattern. They have a glossy, pointed toe design and a lace-up closure, making them suitable for business, formal … View moreBRAND NEW, Never been worn, New Quality
Size 44 EUR Size 10 US
These are men's black formal Oxford dress shoes featuring a distinctive crocodile or alligator skin texture/pattern. They have a glossy, pointed toe design and a lace-up closure, making them suitable for business, formal events, weddings, or parties.
3x Set - Original Wall Art Paintings
FRESHLY PAINTED!! 3x Paintings 🌴🌴🌴
Offering unique, hand-painted pieces inspired by Polynesian and tribal art.
• Medium: Acrylic with metallic ink on deep-edged canvas
• Gloss varnish finish
Dimensions:
Height: 40cm (16") | Width: 30cm (12") | Depth: 3.5cm
Canvas … View moreFRESHLY PAINTED!! 3x Paintings 🌴🌴🌴
Offering unique, hand-painted pieces inspired by Polynesian and tribal art.
• Medium: Acrylic with metallic ink on deep-edged canvas
• Gloss varnish finish
Dimensions:
Height: 40cm (16") | Width: 30cm (12") | Depth: 3.5cm
Canvas weight: 280GSM
SILVER WINNER QUALITY SERVICE AWARD
We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.
This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.
Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ … View moreWe’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.
This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.
Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ attitudes towards services from business across various industries.
Companies are assessed based on five pillars: personalisation, understanding, simplicity, satisfaction and consistency.
This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence that our teams strive for every day in our villages to deliver exceptional service standards.
Thank you to our amazing teams and to all those who took the time to complete the surveys!
Loading…- Premium Businesses
-
Lighting Bolt Elektrix Electricians
-
Clinical Smiles Dental Clinics
-
Paramount Gardening Lawnmowing Services
- Community Organisations
-
Mt Albert Community & Leisure Centre 773 New North Road, Mount Albert, Auckland
-
Paralympics New Zealand 1 Cleveland Road, Parnell, Auckland
- View all organisations
© Neighbourly 2025
